Forest Fires Destroy Over 100,000 Hectares in Chile

Government seeks international aid

In this Jan. 21, 2017 photo, a firefighters work near a wall of flame in Pumanque, Chile. Chile is suffering one of its worst fire waves in history. The fires have outpaced local ability to put them out, forcing Chile to request international aid. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

 

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Some of the worst wildfires in Chile’s history have destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of forest and forced the government to seek international aid.

Agriculture Minister Carlos Furche said Spain, Peru and Mexico are sending help to fight the wave of fires that have been fed by a prolonged drought and temperatures that have topped 100 Fahrenheit (40 Celsius).

See also  Drone Crash Causes Arizona Wildfire

Hardest-hit is the south-central region of O’Higgins, where fires have destroyed homes, pasture and livestock, with ranchers releasing animals to avoid the oncoming flames. The government has declared a state of emergency in the area.

Smoke from the fires has shrouded various cities, including the capital of Santiago.

Chile’s National Forestry Corporation said there were 129 wildfires raging across the country on Saturday. The number dropped slightly to 108 on Sunday.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Stay in the loop with our wildland newsletter.

Government seeks international aid   SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Some of the worst wildfires in Chile’s history have destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of forest and forced the government to seek international aid. Agriculture Minister Carlos Furche said Spain, Peru and Mexico are sending help to fight the wave of fires that have been fed […]

Get The Wildland Firefighter Newsletter

Related Articles

What’s the Cost?

What’s the Cost?

Throughout our lives and careers, there will be times that we’re asked a question or asked to do something that is something we’d rather not say or do. It’s normal. Sometimes we might not believe what the desired answer is. In other words, our boss wants us to agree...